Reviews

An oasis of faint light leaked bleakly along the Sidmouth road into the swirling Devon sea mist of a miserable Friday night. The Halfway Inn at Aylesbeare crossroads looms into view. I am quickly absorbed into plush, cosy leather settees with firelight warmth and characteristic friendly welcome from Tom Webber and his vigorous young staff.

Chef Darren never fails to impress and try to introduce me to magnificently presented creative cuisine ? not petite and leaving you hungry but really feeding you - whilst on the cctv I can watch the chefs at work in the kitchen as my Pavlovian taste buds are teased.

Moules for starter are my favourite but mussel and clam stew prevailed on this occasion. Tempted by the tasty soups too. Mmm! Something for all likes and palates on this highly imaginative menu.

Turbot and crab en croute as my Main vied with venison, duo of duck decoratively tumbled together and plethora of top fish of the day, fresh as the sea itself. Lunch guests often get the best first in the day, but this evening there was still plenty available. The red mullet looked enticing. I have never seen chips served like that and hanging prawns. House wine plus well-selected higher grades abound from worldwide vineyards - something for all - or beer and cider if you haven't discovered the delights of wines. Smuggler lanterns on each table coax with flickering comfort. What a lovely place to spend Friday at the end of a working week! And the bill won't empty your bank balance! This is style and capability, colour and design, food with food!

The desserts are to die for - shame I am diabetic! But I watch others slyly, but with enthusiasm. Don't you just love watching what others eat? Mm! Must have that dish next time!

This is a conducive pub with top restaurant food and is increasing in popularity since the old, sad pub, which preceded it, was converted some two years ago into a memorable eating experience. Regulars still perch in attendance at the bar so it retains its inn-like character.

Book in good time to enjoy the views across the Clyst valley towards Exeter's vast flickering pool of light and the star-show in the skies above you through the tinted feature windows. A meteor if you are lucky at this time of year! The architect designed Dining Room is special and your experience will be long treasured and remembered. The Halfway goes the whole way! Go team!

This pub is trying to be a fine dining restaurant and fails. Whilst the fish dishes were good (but expensive), the steaks were not good cuts for the price. The desserts were very poor and far too expensive. The waitresses were rude and discourteous. It was very disappointing.

We had a great evening at The Halfway Inn and are certain to return. The food, service and wine were all lovely. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Very reasonably priced for top quality nosh. Cant wait till next time.
Keep up the good work.

It was a chance visit on Thursday 31st March, The Greeting was fantastic, the menu choice is fantastic and well priced. We were sat in the window with the views and watched the chefs cooking from the screens. our starters arrived, the Moules, and the Chicken Pate both amazing. Our main meals followed equally as good as our starters Whole Lemon Sole for me, and Lamb Rump for my wife, very impressed. No room for dessert, so finished in the bar with a liqueur coffee that lived up to expectations after a wonderful meal.
This place has the service, ambience, and food. WELL DONE!
Thanks for a lovely evening we will return

Disappointing food and conveyor-belt service.
Design doesn't quite work: village hall/canteen atmosphere of original part with spacious airy extension...too airy each time the door was opened and not a pleasant place to eat doubling as reception/interface between kitchen and restaurant.
Concept equally contradictory: beehive of activity visible in the kitchen, front of house impersonal, giving the impression that they do not need to cultivate custom...I think they do. But too late for us!